LEMONADE|| Keith Powers

Chapter 37: Realization

Ricky woke up adjusting himself. He looked down to see Josie's hair everywhere and her comfortably sleeping like an angel. "Josie" he called. She didn't say anything still peacefully knocked out. "Josie"
"Hmm," she mumbled. "Get up," he said. "Em um" she adjusted herself back on his chest. For the first time, he felt his heart jump. He grabbed his phone looking at the time. It was 9:30 am, he was still sad about the situation and desperately wanted to see his brother. She slowly got up stretching her arms. "Goodmorning" I spoke "Goodmorning" she spoke yawning. She got up rubbing her neck. I watched her walk into the kitchen turning on the coffee maker. She then went upstairs while I grabbed my phone looking at a few text messages.

Michelle: 7:39 am Daddy I miss you😩

Ari 7:45 am: Morning Babe, let me know if you want to link up for dinner tonight. My treat❤️

Minutes later she came down with Jace in her hands. I watched her make his bottles as well cook. It's so crazy how that's all I ever wanted when I was married to Kat but she was so damn selfish. Morgan came down rubbing her eyes. "Morning sleeping beauty," Josie said.

"Morning"
"Goodmorning Mr. Ricky" Josie mocked her. "Jealous" I asked her turning around Josie rolled her eyes "Yeah, no" she said "Hey kid" I said hugging her as she laid on me. All the kids love me no matter how hard I try to resist them they gravitate towards me. I got up walking outside I called Mia to get an update on my brother. Once I got back in the house, I saw Jace walking. "Oh my god, he's walking" Josie said excitedly. That was so refreshing to see its just one of those moments that was nice to witness. Raymond should be seeing this but he's such a bitch made nigga. He ran to me "Oh shoot, we got a runner on our hands" he said almost tripping before I caught him placing him above my shoulders. "You're going to be a great dad one day" she said
"You think so? I asked. "Yeah, they love you" she said. "Preciate it" I said making my plate. She made pancakes, turkey bacon and eggs and I was here for it. She handed me a plate, and I sat on the other side of the island digging in. Morgan sat beside me. "Can I get whipped cream? She asked
"Eww no" she said. "Its good on pancakes" she begged. "So you can be flying around this house all night? She asked. She turned around grabbing the whipped cream. She finally sat down eating a few bites as long as feeding Jace as well. I looked over at Morgan drenching her pancakes in whipped cream. "That's enough" I laughed taking it from her. "Na uh" she said
"Josie where we you last night. You weren't in the bed? She asked.
"I um, I was sleeping on the couch," She said. "Well, I was comfortable having the bed all to myself. Mr. Ricky ..Josie is a wild sleeper and her hair is always in my face. I really want my own space" she said.
My eyes widened she was such a diva just like my niece. "That's enough Morgan," Josie said eying her. I laughed it's crazy because her hair was in my face this time and last time. So I understand if Morgan wants to sleep alone.
"I just have wild dreams sometimes" she laughed. "Wild dreams about what? I asked. She ignored my question "What time are you seeing Dreux? I wanna see him" she said.

"After I eat and get dressed," I said

"You mind us going? I asked. "Yeah, everyone will be there," he said.
"Cool," she said. "Thanks for breakfast," I said dumping my plate.
"You're welcome" she half smiled.

Dreux

I woke up in a lot of pain, I looked up to see Mia and a doctor examining me. "Goodmorning Mr. Santana" he smiled. "Goodmorning Dreux" she spoke. "Goodmorning...Ahhh" I tried lifting up. "Be easy, your all stitched up" he said. I side eyed him ''And you are? I asked. "I am Doctor Devin, Mia's colleague" he extended his hand. "Nice to meet you" I shook his hand.
"Your pretty lucky that bullet could've went deep into your skin damaging your organs. Your lucky Mia was able to get it out immediately. I always told her she could be a surgeon" He said. "Right" I said wondering what was up with his friendly ass. "Your x-ray turned out fine and you'll be okay" she smiled. I looked up to see I had an IV connected to me with a bag of blood. 'What is this? I asked
"A Blood infusion" he answered. "Mia is going to monitor your pain levels, well keep you medicated for a few days and give you some antibiotics" he said. "Thanks Doc" I said. "No problem, I'll see you soon" he said. "I'll walk you out Nathan" she said. I watched her walk him out they seemed pretty acquainted that better not be her work husband or I'll raise hell. She walked back in crossing her arms, I still felt ashamed about last night and almost meeting death had me wanting to change my lifestyle but I had no idea on how. I was too deep in this, the only person that could probably get out is Ricky because he's smart. He's made investments and a plan me on the other hand I have too many demons.
"How you feeling? She asked. "In pain," I said. "I can give you something now," I said. "Thanks" I closed my eyes. "I must've been sleeping hard when I got stitches," I said. "Yeah, we gave you a little something to knock you out. You need to fire Melvin" she chuckled.
'Ha! You're right about that but thank you so much babe you saved my entire life. I'm forever thankful" I said tiredly